Non-NHS services & charges

The Practice operates under a General Medical Services contract to the NHS. Some services that the Practice provides are not covered by this contract are considered to be Private and are chargeable. Examples include the following:

The fees charged are in line with the British Medical Association (BMA) recommendations and you will be informed of any charges beforehand

For more information about charges, please speak to a Receptionist

Why GPs sometimes charge fees

The GPs at Cornerstone Surgery are not actually employed by the NHS; they are self-employed and they have to cover their costs (e.g. staff, buildings, heating, lighting) in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment

In recent years, however, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate

Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?

With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients

Whilst the GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work

Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form / write my letter?

Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients, and so non-NHS work is of a lower priority

The GPs are only allowed to sign what that they know to be true.
In order to complete a simple forms or letter, the GP might have to check a patient's entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctors' regulatory body) or even the Police.

What can you do to help?

Not all documents need a signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge

Allow as much time as possible for the GPs to complete forms or write letters. Do not leave things until the last minute. Although a form or letter may be urgent for you, please remember that the GPs have other patients who also need their care & attention